The European Union has agreed on a new round of sanctions against Russia, targeting nearly 200 tankers used to secretly transport Russian oil. The decision, made by representatives of the EU’s 27 member states on Wednesday, marks the bloc’s 17th sanctions package since Russia invaded Ukraine.
The package will be formally adopted at a meeting of EU defense ministers next Tuesday.
This latest action aims to crack down on Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which helps the country bypass Western sanctions and the $60 per barrel price cap on its crude exports. The fleet includes vessels used to move oil without detection, often by turning off tracking systems or using ship-to-ship transfers.
In addition to the maritime crackdown, the new sanctions include penalties against Russian individuals accused of cyberattacks, sabotage, and human rights violations in Europe, according to France 24.
Earlier this year, the EU imposed a similar set of sanctions under its 16th package. That round included a ban on Russian aluminum imports and sanctions on 73 vessels tied to the shadow fleet. It also expanded the legal basis for targeting shipowners, operators, and even captains linked to sanction evasion.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on social media, “We are further restricting access to battlefield technology. And we have listed an additional 189 shadow fleet vessels to target Russia’s energy exports.”
She added, “This war has to end. We will keep the pressure high on the Kremlin.”
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue. Turkey is expected to host talks between Ukraine and Russia on Thursday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he will attend the meeting and wants to negotiate directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Moscow has yet to confirm who will represent Russia at the talks in Istanbul. Putin has so far rejected calls for a 30-day ceasefire.
Some EU leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, have warned that more sanctions will follow if Russia does not agree to pause hostilities.
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